Bill to block publishers from killing online games advances in California (arstechnica.com)

Article summary

A bill in California aims to prevent publishers from shutting down online games, potentially allowing players to continue accessing them. The bill's specifics are not detailed in the discussion, but it seems to focus on consumer protection. Commenters discuss the feasibility and potential consequences of such a law, including the role of reverse engineering and the challenges of preserving game functionality. The conversation also touches on the broader issue of software ownership and the responsibilities of publishers towards their customers.

Main themes

• Game preservation
• Software ownership
• Consumer protection
• Reverse engineering
• Publisher responsibility
• Digital rights

What commenters say

• Allowing reverse engineering of software could be a more effective way to preserve online games than relying on publishers to maintain them.
• The bill's focus on games may be a strategic starting point, but it could set a precedent for broader consumer protection laws in the software industry.
• Requiring publishers to release game assets or provide offline play capabilities could be a viable solution, but it may be difficult to enforce and could lead to shell companies and other workarounds.
• Making distributors like Steam liable for ensuring publishers comply with the law could provide an added layer of accountability and protection for consumers.
• The concept of a 'lifetime license' for software is often misleading, and companies should be held to their promises to provide functional products for the long term.
• Bankruptcy and shell companies can be used to evade responsibility and avoid punishment, making it challenging to craft effective legislation.
• Releasing game assets to the public could be a viable last resort, allowing the community to update and maintain the game, but it raises questions about ownership and liability.
• The entertainment industry's history of creative accounting and profit-sharing entities can make it difficult to determine the true profitability of a game or movie, and to hold companies accountable for their actions.